Regional ecosystem details for 3.3.5
| Regional ecosystem | 3.3.5 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Riverine |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 7, 4, 1, 2, 6, (5), (8), (3), (9), (9.3) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 72000 ha; Remnant 2021 72000 ha |
| Short description | Evergreen to semi-deciduous notophyll vine forest on alluvia on major watercourses |
| Structure code | Closed Forest |
| Description | Evergreen to semi-deciduous notophyll vine forest of variable floristic composition but often including Lophostemon suaveolens (swamp mahogany), Buchanania arborescens (native mango), Acacia polystachya, Syzygium forte subsp. potamophilum and Blepharocarya involucrigera (rose butternut). A sparse to mid-dense, sub-canopy tree layer is often present with a variable shrub layer. This community can extend along watercourses into coastal dunefields. Occurs on alluvia on major watercourses. Riverine. (BVG1M: 4b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 3.3.5a: Evergreen to semi-deciduous notophyll vine forest. This regional ecosystem varies in structure and floristic composition depending on the position relative to the stream channel, the substrate and the permanence of water flow. It reaches its best development on the banks of the Wenlock River. A sparse to dense, even canopy (12-20m tall) is dominated by a variety of species including Lophostemon suaveolens, Buchanania arborescens (native mango), Acacia polystachya, Syzygium forte subsp. potamophilum, Blepharocarya involucrigera, Dysoxylum oppositifolium, Melaleuca leucadendra, Carallia brachiata, Mallotus polyadenos, Acacia midgleyi and Dillenia alata. Scattered emergent trees up to 30m in height are common. A sparse to mid-dense, sub-canopy tree layer (4-8m tall) is often present. Endiandra glauca, Mallotus polyadenos, Buchanania arborescens (native mango), Atractocarpus sessilis, Syzygium forte subsp. potamophilum, Chionanthus ramiflorus, Millettia pinnata and Choriceras tricorne are frequent low trees. Deciduous trees such as Nauclea orientalis and Vitex helogiton may be present in both the canopy and sub-canopy but are generally infrequent. A variable shrub layer is present with Memecylon pauciflorum, Atractocarpus sessilis, Buchanania arborescens (native mango), Alyxia spicata, Cleistanthus apodus and Myrsine porosa some of the most frequent species. The ground layer is usually very sparse with scattered herbs and grasses, however, in disturbed areas a dense ground cover of grasses (mainly Oplismenus spp.) can occur. Scattered vines are present such as Flagellaria indica, Austrosteenisia blackii, Lygodium flexuosum, Smilax australis, Eustrephus latifolius, Hypserpa decumbens and Abrus precatorius which frequently climb into the canopy. Occurs on alluvia on major watercourses. Riverine. (BVG1M: 4b). 3.3.5b: Tall evergreen mesophyll or notophyll vine forest of Horsfieldia australiana (Cape nutmeg), Syzygium bamagense (Bamaga satinash) or S. angophoroides (swamp satinash), Acmena hemilampra (watergum) +/- Buchanania arborescens (native mango). The sub-canopy generally contains Licuala ramsayi (fan palm) and Pandanus spp., although Podocarpus grayae (brown pine) dominates in one variant. A range of species can be found in the shrub layer. Occurs on sandy alluvium of larger watercourses. Riverine. (BVG1M: 4b). 3.3.5c: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 3.3.5b. Tall evergreen mesophyll or notophyll vine forest of Horsfieldia australiana (Cape nutmeg), Syzygium bamagense (Bamaga satinash) or S. angophoroides (swamp satinash), Acmena hemilampra (watergum) +/- Buchanania arborescens (native mango). The sub-canopy generally contains Licuala ramsayi (fan palm) and Pandanus spp., although Podocarpus grayae (brown pine) dominates in one variant. A range of species can be found in the shrub layer. Occurs on sandy alluvium of larger watercourses. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 4b). |
| Protected areas | Oyala Thumotang NP (CYPAL), Apudthama NP (CYPAL), Cape Melville NP (CYPAL), Bromley (Ampulin) NP (CYPAL), Rinyirru (Lakefield) NP (CYPAL), KULLA (McIlwraith Range) NP (CYPAL), Batavia NP (CYPAL), Biniirr NP (CYPAL), Muundhi (Jack River) NP (CYPAL), Melson |
| Special values | 3.3.5: High numbers of endemic plant species. The vulnerable plant species Gardenia psidioides, and near threatened species Donella lanceolata, Croton brachypus and Litsea macrophylla occur in this ecosystem. Important wildlife corridor for closed forest species. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: No deliberate fire management required within this unit. Undertake fuel reduction burns in surrounding vegetation utilising multiple small fires throughout the appropriate season to manage biodiversity values and to limit the extent and reduce risks of wildfire. ISSUES: Fire sensitive vegetation type. |
| Comments | 3.3.5: Stream bank species such as Syzygium tierneyanum, Casuarina cunninghamiana, Eucalyptus tereticornis and Melaleuca leucadendra are frequently present. This RE reaches its best development in the bioregion along the banks of the Wenlock River. High usage by cattle, and hence frequently weed-infested. Local disturbance by human camping activities. 3.3.5a: When disturbed the exotic forb Triumfetta rhomboidea* is often present. 3.3.5b: Restricted to Moa Island, Torres Strait. 3.3.5c: Restricted to Moa Island, Torres Strait. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13.1 pre-clearing and 2021 remnant regional ecosystem mapping. Figures are rounded for simplicity. For more precise estimates, including breakdowns by tenure and other themes see remnant vegetation in Queensland.
2 Superseded: Revision of the regional ecosystem classification removed this regional ecosystem code from use. It is included in the regional ecosystem description database because the RE code may appear in older versions of RE mapping and the Vegetation Management regulation.
